Churchill Downs: Wise Dan figures to follow same path to Breeders' Cup as in 2012

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan exited his win in Saturday’s Grade 1 Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs in good condition, trainer Charlie LoPresti said, and will likely be pointed for a summer/fall turf campaign like the one he had in 2012.

After consulting with owner/breeder Mort Fink on Sunday morning, LoPresti said they were inclined to make his summer goal the Grade 2 Fourstardave on Aug. 10 at Saratoga. Should things go according to plan, he said, Wise Dan would then return in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile the following month, and depending on whether he bounces out of that race in top condition, an October start in the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Those were the exact races he competed in last year that led to his championship year.

Wise Dan earned a 104 Beyer Speed Figure for his 4 ¾-length victory in the Woodford Reserve over yielding turf in a race that lost some luster when the expected second favorite, Point of Entry, was scratched two hours before post time due to wet course conditions.

LoPresti said as authoritative as Wise Dan’s was in victory, he was even more amazed watching him cool out after the race. “He wasn’t even blowing, as soft as the turf was,” he said.

As for Point of Entry, he is now being aimed for the Grade 1 Manhattan on the Belmont Stakes undercard June 8, trainer Shug McGaughey said.

- additional reporting by David Grening